Prolaris analyzes tumor tissue to gauge aggressiveness, while Invitae tests your inherited (germline) DNA from blood or saliva.
For prostate cancer, Invitae’s panel looks for inherited mutations such as:
BRCA1/BRCA2, ATM, CHEK2, PALB2
Lynch syndrome genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2)
HOXB13 and others
BRCA/HRR mutations can make PARP inhibitors an option if the cancer advances.
Active surveillance: Certain mutations (especially BRCA2) may argue for closer monitoring or earlier treatment.
Family: Results can affect cancer screening for relatives, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and colorectal.
Guidelines recommend germline testing for men with metastatic, high-risk, or family-history-positive prostate cancer, and coverage often follows those criteria.
Genetic counseling is usually offered alongside testing.